“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)
Jesus Himself said that the way is narrow. But why then do so many churches attempt to widen the road, even broaden the entry gate, by watering down the Word, by affirming sin, and trying to make the world feel comfortable around the “Holy?” We are told that if someone continues to sin, they are not born again, but deceived (1 John 1:6, 3:9). We are called to be different. In fact, we are to be salt and light in a decaying and dark world (Matthew 5:13-16). We are called to be rejects to the world, even the scum of the earth (1 Corinthians 4:13). Jesus said that if the world loves us then we are of the world and not of Him (John 15:19). He chose us to be different. We are called strangers, aliens, sojourners, pilgrims, being in the world but not of it (1 Peter 2:9-12)! We are told to abstain from fleshly desires not affirm them. If that is so, why then do churches try to copy and look like the world? Affirming sin in any way is never the narrow way! Bottom line, Jesus says that unless we lose our life, unless we die daily, unless we pick up our cross and follow Him, in His own words, we are not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:38, Luke 9:23-24)! There is a big difference between the remnant and the heretic. God is looking for those who will be wholehearted after Him, not those who compromise and lead others into sin.
This is the hour to shine! In the midst of gross darkness (Isaiah 60:2), the church is meant to provide a beacon, a way forward. Well, I had better preface that, the true church will shine. This is the hour when the true and false church is being separated. Remember, Jesus said the door is narrow and road is a single lane that leads to the Father (Matthew 7:13-14). We are never told it is to be simple or comfortable or convenient. Get on the skinny road and with all your heart chase after Jesus!!!
Pray for the fire of God to burn in your heart. That God would set you apart from the world as holy unto Him. Pray for your pastor to not tolerate or affirm sin in any way. Ask God to give him the grace to hate the sin and speak the truth boldly, while loving the sinner. Pray for the fear of God to fall upon your church, for a grace for corporate repentance and a willingness to come lay themselves on the altar of God. Pray for God to fall on the churches in our city that are seeking Him, and His presence in their services to increase. Ask Him to separate the heretic churches from the remnant ekklesia in our city and across our nation! Ask God to grant us, His kids, discernment to identify wolves in sheep (or shepherd) clothing!
